Ceramide transfer protein regulates G-protein-coupled phospholipase signalling in photoreceptors.

Loss of dcert in Drosophila impairs G-protein-coupled PLC signaling by disrupting membrane contact site function, reducing photoreceptor response by 50%.

• Why it matters: Understanding lipid transfer at membrane contact sites is crucial because it influences key signaling pathways in cells, yet its physiological role remains unclear.
• What they did: Researchers analyzed dcert mutants using lipid profiling, electrophysiology, and microscopy, revealing elevated short-chain ceramides, decreased PIP2 resynthesis, and reduced MCS density.
• The result: Findings demonstrate that CERT regulates PLC signaling via MCS modulation, highlighting its essential role in maintaining photoreceptor function and cellular lipid homeostasis.